Intensive Instructional Assistant, Needham High School (2024-2025)

Needham Public Schools is an inclusive, dynamic, and multicultural community seeking an energetic and skilled Intensive Instructional Assistants to join our team. To enhance our goals of supporting every child, Needham Public Schools seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Experience and interest in working with students with significant disabilities in our ILC Program.

Job Description:
Under the direct supervision of the Special Education Teacher, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and Special Education Director, the Intensive Special Education Teaching Assistant provides specialized instruction and support for students with complex learning profiles and behavioral challenges enrolled in the Intensive Learning Center/Post Graduate Program, utilizing the strategies of applied behavior analysis. Depending on grade level and the individual needs of students, Intensive Special Education Teaching Assistants may be responsible for the following:
Provide 1:1 or small group specialized instruction for students with significant special needs utilizing the strategies of applied behavior analysis which may take place in an inclusion setting
Implement student specific behavior intervention plans including positive reinforcement, visual supports, cuing, de-escalation strategies, and/or providing motor breaks
Prevent, minimize, and manage behavioral challenges following district protocols
Support students' integration within a classroom setting through academic, social, and behavioral interventions
Implement augmentative communication and assistive technology instruction and support for students who are non-speaking or have limited communication skills
Provide life skill instruction including toileting, self-care, and travel training as appropriate
Provide pre-vocational training and job coaching for students in school and the larger community as appropriate
Assist with program specific data collection to monitor student progress and develop necessary support plans (e.g. academics, social skills, and behavior plans)
Support students to navigate the school day including non-instructional time
Prepare instructional materials for students based on their individual learning needs and goals
Assist with home/school communications (e.g. daily log) as assigned
Provide regular feedback to the special education team members on student progress
Any additional tasks assigned by the Special Education Director

The duties listed above are intended as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
Ability to carry out verbal and written instructions
Knowledge of academic and social skills unique to the developmental age of the students
Knowledge of complex learning profiles and common behavioral challenges
Ability to make decisions in the moment to ensure the safety of all students, including performing physical restraint when necessary
Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs
Ability to work collaboratively with multiple team members
Ability to maintain confidential information regarding students and families
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in related field or at least 2 years experience in a similar role (i.e. ABA, job coaching, etc)
Demonstrate aptitude for work to be performed
Passion for working with children/students with complex disabilities
Basic knowledge of child growth and developm

Compensation and Benefits:
Please review the Unit C Contract https://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/human_resources/contracts and this page http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/human_resources/benefits to learn more about employee compensation and benefits.

The Needham Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, active military/veteran status, ancestry, genetic information, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, employment policies, and other administered programs and activities. In addition, students who are homeless or of limited English-speaking ability are protected from discrimination in accessing the course of study and other opportunities available through the schools.
Needham Public Schools has a strong commitment to equity. Candidates who also have a strong commitment to this work are encouraged to apply. For more information on our equity work please visit our equity website.